High-Pulse-Rate EH Shockwave Generation for Predictable Tissue Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrohydraulic (EH) shockwave systems for medical and cosmetic treatments face inefficiencies due to long treatment times and unpredictable tissue damage at pulse rates between 1 Hz and 10 Hz, making them impractical and costly.
Innovation Solution
The development of EH shockwave systems capable of generating shockwaves at higher pulse rates (greater than 10 Hz) to deliver predictable therapeutic effects on tissue by accounting for its viscous nature, reducing treatment time and minimizing side effects like cavitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If EH shockwave systems operate at pulse rates between 1 Hz and 10 Hz, then tissue damage is unpredictable, but treatment time is excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pulse rate parameter from the conventional 1-10 Hz range to a higher range of 10-5000 Hz. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by enabling both predictable therapeutic effects and reduced treatment time. The higher pulse rate delivers sufficient shockwaves to achieve therapeutic outcomes while minimizing treatment duration, as the system can deliver the required number of shockwaves more rapidly without causing excessive tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsed action at optimized intervals and duty cycles. By controlling the timing and duration of shockwave pulses at higher frequencies, the system achieves predictable tissue effects while allowing adequate recovery time between pulses. This periodic action at optimized parameters enables efficient treatment delivery without compromising tissue safety.
2Productivity
If EH shockwave systems increase pulse rate to reduce treatment time, then treatment efficiency improves, but tissue damage may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously including pulse rate (10-5000 Hz), duty cycle (1-90%), and pulse width (1-100 microseconds). This multi-parameter optimization enables the system to operate at high pulse rates for improved efficiency while controlling the energy delivery to prevent excessive tissue damage. The specific combination of these parameters ensures therapeutic effectiveness without harmful side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of shockwave delivery parameters during treatment. The system can adjust pulse rate, duty cycle, and energy levels in real-time based on treatment progress and tissue response. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain high productivity while adapting to prevent tissue damage, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and safety.
3Reliability
If EH shockwave systems use traditional pulse rates, then treatment is safe, but treatment cost increases due to extended duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters to higher pulse rates (10-5000 Hz) with optimized duty cycles and pulse widths. This parameter change reduces treatment duration significantly while maintaining safety through controlled energy delivery. The shorter treatment time directly reduces operational costs associated with extended treatment sessions, while the optimized parameters ensure tissue safety is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the shockwave system to self-regulate delivery parameters to achieve optimal treatment outcomes within reduced time frames. By implementing intelligent control that automatically adjusts pulse timing and energy levels, the system maintains safety standards while minimizing treatment duration, thereby reducing the time-related costs without compromising patient safety.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The high-pulse rate systems provide a predictable therapeutic effect on tissue with reduced treatment time, minimizing damage and improving treatment efficiency and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse-generation system configured to apply voltage pulses to the plurality of electrodes such that portions of the liquid are vaporized to propagate shockwaves through the liquid and the shockwave outlet
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for electrohydraulic generation of shockwaves at a rate of between 10 Hz and 5 MHz, and/or that permit a user to view a region of a patient comprising target cells during application of generated shockwaves to the region. Methods of applying electro-hydraulically generated shockwaves to target tissues (e.g., for reducing the appearance of tattoos, treatment or reduction of certain conditions and/or maladies).